Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system and related methods therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing, The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of and claims the benefitof priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/175,038, titled SUBATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE MECHANISM FOR WOUNDTHERAPY SYSTEM, filed on Jul. 17, 2008, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to treating an open wound, and, morespecifically, relates to a wound therapy system including an improvedsubatmospheric pressure mechanism.

2. Background of Related Art

Wound closure involves the migration of epithelial and subcutaneoustissue adjacent the wound towards the center and away from the base ofthe wound until the wound closes. Unfortunately, closure is difficultwith large wounds, chronic wounds or wounds that have become infected.In such wounds, a zone of stasis (i.e. an area in which localizedswelling of tissue restricts the flow of blood to the tissues) formsnear the surface of the wound. Without sufficient blood flow, theepithelial and subcutaneous tissues surrounding the wound not onlyreceive diminished oxygen and nutrients, but, are also less able tosuccessfully fight microbial infection and, thus, are less able to closethe wound naturally. Such wounds have presented difficulties to medicalpersonnel for many years.

Negative pressure therapy also known as suction or vacuum therapy hasbeen used in treating and healing wounds. Application of negativepressure, e.g. reduced or subatmospheric pressure, to a localizedreservoir over a wound has been found to assist in closing the wound bypromoting blood flow to the area, stimulating the formation ofgranulation tissue, and encouraging the migration of healthy tissue overthe wound. Negative pressure may also inhibit bacterial growth bydrawing fluids from the wound such as exudates, which may tend to harborbacteria. This technique has proven particularly effective for chronicor healing-resistant wounds, and is also used for other purposes such aspost-operative wound care.

Generally, negative pressure therapy provides for a wound to be coveredto facilitate suction at the wound area. A conduit is introduced throughthe wound covering to provide fluid communication to an external vacuumsource. Atmospheric gas, wound exudates, or other fluids may thus bedrawn from the wound area through the fluid conduit to stimulate healingof the wound. Exudates drawn from the wound area may be deposited in acollection canister or container.

Subatmospheric pressure mechanisms used in wound therapy systems mayinclude a cavity or chamber for receiving the removed exudates, a vacuumsource, and a power source. The pressure mechanisms are configured toprovide the suction that draws exudates from the wound. Unfortunately,conventional subatmospheric pressure mechanisms have a tendency todevelop leaks. Leaks may reduce the efficiency of the system and/orcreate odor and wetness issues.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an improvedsubatmospheric pressure mechanism. A portable system for subatmosphericpressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound isprovided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned forpositioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collectioncanister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canistermay include a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluidinlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured forfluid communication with a wound dressing. A cover is selectivelyengageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The coveraccommodates a control unit and a vent assembly for exhausting thecontrol unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and thecover and is adapted to establish and maintain a sealed relationshipbetween these components. At least one of the fluid inlet port and thevacuum port may be configured to receive a cap.

The control unit of the system may include a vacuum source and/or apower source. The vacuum port may also include a hydrophobic membrane.The vent assembly may be recessed relative to the base or cover. Thesystem may further include a divider having a plurality of longitudinalgrooves formed on an underside thereof. The divider may further includea channel fluidly communicating the plurality of longitudinal grooveswith at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port. Thecontrol unit may be directly connected to the vent assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of a wound therapy system in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the subatmospheric pressuremechanism of the wound therapy system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional side view of the subatmosphericpressure mechanism of FIG. 2, illustrating the housing cover separatedfrom the housing base;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the vent assembly ofthe subatmospheric pressure mechanism of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged plan view of the vent assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the vent assembly of the subatmospheric pressure mechanismof FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged front view of the vent assembly of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another subatmospheric pressuremechanism of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the subatmosphericpressure mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the divider of the subatmospheric pressuremechanism of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is cross-sectional end view of the divider of FIG. 8 taken alongline 9-9; and;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the divider of FIG. 8 taken alongline 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following figures illustrate embodiments of the present disclosureand are referenced to describe the embodiments depicted therein.Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described by explaining the figureswherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout theseveral views.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a wound therapy system of the presentdisclosure is shown generally as wound therapy system 100. Wound therapysystem 100 includes composite wound dressing 102 and subatmosphericpressure mechanism 104 in fluid communication with the wound dressing102 through a conduit, identified schematically as reference character“c”. For a more detailed description of wound dressing 102, includingthe composition and operation thereof, please refer to commonly ownedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047,910, filed Mar. 13, 2008, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104will be described in detail. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 maybe a portable canister adapted to be worn or carried by the subject viaa strap, belt, or the like. In the alternative, pressure mechanism 104may be a component of a non-ambulatory system. Subatmospheric pressuremechanism 104 includes housing base 110 and housing cover 120selectively attachable to housing base 110. Housing base 110 and/orhousing cover 120 may be fabricated from substantially rigid material,or in the alternative, include a relatively flexible material. Housingbase 110 defines a first cavity 111 for receiving fluid, e.g. exudates“E” from wound dressing 102 (FIG. 1). Housing cover 120 defines a secondcavity 121 to accommodate, e.g., a control unit for controllingoperation of system 100. The control unit may consist of vacuum source150, power source 160, and logic software and/or processing means forcontrolling operation of vacuum source 150 based on various parametersand/or in connection with a treatment regimen.

Housing base 110 and housing cover 120 may be adapted for releasablecoupling. In one embodiment, housing base 110 includes flange 112 andnotch or recess 114. Flange 112 is configured to engage lip 122 formedin housing cover 120. Notch 114 is configured to selectively receive atab 126 of an extension 124 of housing cover 120. Housing base 110further includes a fluid inlet 116 and a suction port 118. Fluid inlet116 is configured to operably engage conduit “c” and may include a luerlock 112 a. Inlet 116 is preferably configured to receive cap 116 a forpreventing leakage of exudates “E” and odor from first cavity 111 whenhousing cover 120 is separated from housing base 110. Suction port 118is configured to operably engage vacuum source 150. Suction port 118 mayinclude a hydrophobic membrane or filter 115 for preventing exudates “E”from being aspirated into vacuum source 150. Suction port 118 may alsobe configured to receive cap 118 a to prevent fluid leakage duringdisposal of housing base 110.

With reference still to FIGS. 2 and 3, housing cover 120 is configuredfor releasable engagement with housing base 110 and includes secondcavity 121 for receiving vacuum source 150 and power source 160. Vacuumsource 150 and/or power source 160 may be maintained with housing cover120 with rubber mounts (not shown) for reducing vibration within housingcover 120. Housing cover 120 may be constructed of and/or includeSTYROFOAM® or other sound dampening material. Housing cover 120 mayinclude an overlay, having lights and/or buttons (not shown) formonitoring and controlling the operation of subatmospheric pressuremechanism 104. Housing cover 120 includes lip 122 configured to engageflange 112 of housing base 110. An extension 124 extends from housingcover 120 opposite lip 122 and is configured for operable engagement bya user. Extension 124 includes tab 126 configured to engage notch 114formed in housing base 110. Extension 124 is configured to flex suchthat tab 126 may be selectively received within notch 114, thereby,releasably securing housing cover 120 to housing base 110. This snap-fitconfiguration may produce an audible sound when tab 126 is receivedwithin notch 114, thereby, notifying the user that housing cover 120 andhousing base 110 are securely joined together.

Seal member 128 extends about housing cover 120 to form a seal betweenhousing cover 120 and housing base 110 when housing cover 120 isselectively secured to housing base 110. Seal member 128 may be securedto housing cover 120 in any manner, including mechanical fastening,welding, and adhesive. Alternatively, seal member 128 may extend abouthousing base 110 to form a seal between housing base 110 and housingcover 120. In an alternative embodiment, seal member 128 may include twoor more seal elements (not shown). Seal member 128 establishes andmaintains a sealed relationship between cover 120 and housing base 110when the components are assembled thereby preserving the integrity ofthe second cavity 121 within cover 120.

Housing cover 120 further includes vent assembly 130 configured to ventexhaust air from vacuum source 150 through exhaust port 130 a. Turninginitially to FIGS. 4A and 4B, vent assembly 130 extends from housingcover 120 and is directly connected to vacuum source 150 (FIG. 1) viatube 131. Vent assembly 130 includes filter 132 extending across exhaustport 130 a and split ring 136 for retaining filter 132 over exhaust port130 a. Vent assembly 130 includes groove 134 formed about exhaust port130 a adapted to receive split ring 136. Filter 132 is sized anddimension such that an outer portion of filter 132 folds into groove 134and is retained therein by split ring 136. Filter 132 may be hydrophobicin nature and/or may include charcoal or other odor absorbing material,and may prevent the passage of bacteria. Split ring 136 may be formed ofplastic, metal or other suitable material. Split ring 136 may includeopenings 136 a configured to receive a tool for removing split ring 136from within groove 134. In this manner, filter 132 may be changed asnecessary.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an alternative embodiment, ventassembly 130′ may be recessed in housing cover 120. Additionally, ventassembly 130′ may vent exhaust air from within second cavity 121 ratherthan directly from vacuum source 150 via tube 131. In this manner, heatmay be dissipated from within second cavity 121 in addition to theventing of exhaust from vacuum source 150. This configuration alsoprovides a positive pressure on filter 132. Filter 132 is again retainedwithin a groove 134′ formed in housing 120 by split ring 136.

In operation, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 is adapted to drawexudates from wound dressing 102 via conduit “c”. Initially, housingcover 120 is selectively secured to housing base 110. To secure housingcover 120 to housing base 110, lip 122 of housing cover 120 is firstreceived within flange 112 of housing base 110. Housing cover 120 isthen pivoted about flange 112 such that extension 124 received overhousing base 110. Housing cover 120 is pivoted until tab 126 ofextension 124 is received within notch 114. Subatmospheric pressuremechanism 104 may be configured such that receipt of tab 126 withinnotch 114 causes an audible sound, thereby confirming to a user thathousing cover 120 has been securely received on housing base 110. Oncesubatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 is assembled, conduit “c” may befluidly coupled to fluid inlet 116 and the control unit (not shown) maybe activated. Activation of vacuum source 150 creates suction withinfirst cavity 111 that draws exudates from wound dressing 102 throughconduit “c”. Exudates “E” collect in first cavity 111 of housing base110. Exhaust from vacuum source 150 is vented either directly orindirectly through vent assembly 130, 130′, respectively. Heat may alsobe dissipated through vent assembly 130′.

Upon filling of first cavity 111, completion of treatment or other anyother reason, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 may be deactivatedand exudates “E” may be properly disposed. To disengage housing cover120 from housing base 110, extension 124 of housing cover 120 is flexedaway from housing base 110. In this manner, tab 126 on extension 124 iswithdrawn from engagement with notch 114 formed in housing base 120.Housing cover 120 may be pivoted away from housing base 110 until lip122 of housing cover 120 disengages flange 112 of housing base 110. Oncehousing cover 120 is separated from housing base 110, exudates “E” maybe disposed. Exudates “E” may be emptied from first cavity 111, oralternatively, housing base 110 may be disposed of in its entirety. Inthe event housing base 110 is disposed, caps 116 a, 118 a may be placedin fluid inlet 116 and suction port 118, respectively, such that housingbase 110 may be transported without worry of fluid leakage or odorescaping from within cavity 111.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a housing base of alternate embodiment ofa subatmospheric pressure mechanism is shown as housing base 10. Housingbase 10 includes divider 12 for separating housing base 10 into a fluidreceiving portion 10 a and an operational portion 10 b configured forreceiving a control unit, including a vacuum source and power source(not shown). Divider 12 includes a fluid inlet port 13 a and a vacuumport 13 b. Divider 12 further includes a gasket 14 extending about anouter periphery of divider 12. Gasket 14 is configured to engage vacuumsource (FIG. 2) in a sealed manner, thereby enabling a vacuum to becreated within fluid receiving portion 10 a to draw fluid from wounddressing 102 (FIG. 1).

Turning now to FIG. 7, a housing base of an alternative embodiment ofthe subatmospheric pressure mechanism of the present disclosure is showngenerally as housing base 210. Subatmospheric pressure mechanism 210includes a divider 212 including a fluid inlet port 213 a and vacuumport 213 b. Divider 212 further includes a gasket 214 extending aboutfluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b for engaging a vacuumsource (FIG. 2) in a sealed manner. By localizing gasket 214 aroundfluid inlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b the likelihood of sealingissues, such as air and fluid leaks, is reduced. Gasket 214 may beformed of gel or other suitable sealing material. One preferred gelmaterial is a silica gel.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-10, underside 212 a of divider 212 isconfigured to assist in fluid collection. Divider 212 includes aplurality of longitudinal grooves 214 extending the length thereof.Channel 216 extends the width of divider 212 in alignment with fluidinlet port 213 a and vacuum port 213 b. Channel 216 fluidly communicateseach of the plurality of longitudinal grooves 214 with fluid inlet port213 a and vacuum port 213 b. Divider 212 may be integrally formed withhousing base 210, or as shown configured to be received within housingbase 210. In this manner, divider 212 is sealed within housing base 210using a hydrophobic adhesive or other suitable bonding material (notshown). Divider 212 may further include a hydrophobic membrane 218 atleast partially covering longitudinal grooves and vacuum port 213 b.Hydrophobic membrane 216 provides a fluid barrier between the fluidcollection chamber and the control mechanism. Longitudinal grooves 214provide increased surface area for air flow through hydrophobic membrane218. This may assist vacuum flow, e.g., in the event that a portion ofthe surface area becomes clogged and/or covered with exudate “E” orother fluid.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for removing body fluid from bodytissue, comprising: a conduit adapted to be in fluid communication withbody fluid; a canister including, a base segment having a fluidreceiving cavity in fluid communication with the conduit; a coversegment coupled to the base segment, the cover segment including asubatmospheric pressure source fluidly coupled to the fluid receivingcavity; and a divider segment disposed between the base segment and thecover segment, the divider segment including at least one groove influid communication with the fluid receiving cavity.
 2. The system as inclaim 1, wherein the divider segment includes a vacuum port fluidlycoupling the subatmospheric pressure source with the fluid receivingcavity through the at least one groove.
 3. The system as in claim 2,wherein the divider segment further comprises a hydrophobic membranedisposed on the divider segment, the hydrophobic membrane at leastpartially covering the vacuum port and the at least one groove.
 4. Thesystem as in claim 3, wherein the divider segment includes a pluralityof grooves facing the fluid receiving cavity, each of the plurality ofgrooves in fluid communication with the fluid receiving cavity and thesubatmospheric pressure source.
 5. The system as in claim 4, whereineach of the plurality of grooves extends along a longitudinal axis ofthe divider segment.
 6. The system as in claim 4, wherein the dividersegment further includes a channel in fluid communication with each ofthe plurality of grooves.
 7. The system as in claim 6, furthercomprising a means for coupling the base segment to the cover segment.8. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a wound dressing fluidlyconnected to the conduit.
 9. A subatmospheric pressure system for woundtherapy, comprising: a cover segment including a subatmospheric pressuresource; a base coupled to the cover segment, the base including a fluidreceiving cavity; a divider disposed between the base and the cover, thedivider including a vacuum port in fluid communication with the fluidreceiving cavity and fluidly coupled to the subatmospheric pressuresource, the divider further including a groove defined on a surface ofthe divider facing the fluid receiving cavity, the groove in fluidcommunication with the vacuum port; and a filter mounted on the divider,between the subatmospheric pressure source and the fluid receivingcavity.
 10. The system as in claim 9, wherein the filter comprises ahydrophobic membrane.
 11. The system as in claim 10, wherein the dividerfurther comprises a channel defined on the surface, and wherein thedivider comprises a plurality of grooves each defined on the surface,each of the plurality of grooves in fluid communication with the vacuumport through the channel.
 12. The system as in claim 9, furthercomprising a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to awound bed of a subject.
 13. A method of facilitating subatmosphericpressure therapy, comprising: providing a portable system having a coversegment, a base segment coupled to the cover segment, and a dividerdisposed between the base segment and the cover segment, the coversegment including a subatmospheric pressure source, the base segmentincluding a fluid receiving cavity fluidly coupled to the subatmosphericpressure source, the divider including a vacuum port, a groove definedon a surface of the divider facing the fluid receiving cavity, and afilter mounted on the divider between the subatmospheric pressure sourceand the fluid receiving cavity, the vacuum port fluidly coupling thesubatmospheric pressure source and the fluid receiving cavity, thegroove in fluid communication with the vacuum port and the fluidreceiving cavity.
 14. The method as in claim 12, further comprisingproviding a wound dressing fluidly connectable to the fluid receivingcavity.
 15. The method as in claim 14, further comprising providing acap fluidly isolating the fluid receiving cavity from the wounddressing.
 16. The method as in claim 12, wherein the filter comprises ahydrophobic membrane.
 17. The method as in claim 16, wherein the dividerfurther comprises a channel defined on the surface, and wherein thedivider comprises a plurality of grooves each defined on the surface,each of the plurality of grooves in fluid communication with the vacuumport through the channel.
 18. The method as in claim 17, furthercomprising providing a plug configured to fluidly isolate the fluidcavity.
 19. The method as in claim 17, wherein the divider furtherincludes a seal disposed between the cover segment and the base.
 20. Themethod as in claim 9, wherein the cover segment further comprises apower source coupled to the subatmospheric pressure source.